Shattered Glass

Chapter 3: Warning Signs and A Proposal

this chapter contains domestic violence 

Charlotte and Peter had been dating for two months now. He was madly in love with her. Every thought he had, every moment of his day revolved around her. Especially now. She and her family had gone on vacation for two weeks, and today she was finally going to come home. She hadn't texted much during her vacation, but he just assumed that she was too busy. He didn't let that bother him, he had a bigger problem. He was about to bite the bullet and ask her if she wanted to get married. He knew it might be too fast, but he felt so connected to her. He knew she was the one. He just had to do it. He had already bought the ring.

He finally got a text. It was a text saying she had just gotten home. He quickly texted back.

"Hey, can you come over?"

"Of course"

His heart fluttered. She was about to finally be around him again. About 15 minutes later the doorbell rang and he ran to answer the door. He didn't expect the sight he'd be met with. Charlotte looked absolutely exhausted, pale and seeming to be on the verge of tears. She had a bruise on her face, and she had lost some weight. He instantly was worried. "Oh my gosh- babe what happened?" He asked, stepping forward. She broke down, crying softly and almost falling forward. He caught her, pulling her into a hug.

"shhhh, it's ok you're safe now." He started rubbing her back.

She buried her face in his shoulder, her crying turning into choked sobs. He brought her into the house and they both sat on the couch. He held her, waiting for her to explain but not pushing her to hurry. Through sobbing she told him about how her dad got drunk and she had to protect her siblings and he hit her with a beer bottle and how her mom didnt do anything about it

"Oh my gosh babe." he was shocked and angered by what he just heard. "Do you want to stay with me for a little?" He asked his tone gentle. He had to stay calm, for her. "He can't know I told you.." She cried, pulling on her hair. "Ok. What can I do to help you?" He asked, concerned. She just shrugged, looking defeated. He knew what he had to do to protect her but knew that right now was not the time. Don't ask now, she's too stressed out about this.. She hugged him tightly, burying her face into him. "It's ok you're safe now. He can't hurt you." He said, trying to comfort her. She was silent for a while in his arms. He couldn't hold it in anymore, he had to do it. He loved her, and he had to get her out of that house. He got down on the floor. She tilted her head at him, clearly confused.

"Babe. Charlotte I know right now isn't a good time but I love you and I can't think about living without you.. will..... will you marry me?" He asked, his voice shaking, expecting the worst. She stared at him, wide eyed covering her mouth. This is it, he thought. She was going to say no an- "Yes, yes I will"She smiled through tears, eyes still wide with shock, then practically knocked him over with another hug. He hugged her as tight as he could, laughing a little. "I love you so much"

"I love you too Charlotte. I would never want anyone else." he buried his face in her hair.